Halloween is a time for creativity, costumes, and candy—but it can also be a surprisingly wasteful holiday. From single-use decorations to plastic packaging and fast-fashion costumes, the spooky season often leaves behind an environmental nightmare. This year, you can keep the fun (and the frights) while cutting down on waste. With a bit of imagination and a few eco-friendly swaps, it’s easier than ever to celebrate Halloween sustainably—without losing any of the magic.
Read MoreLos Angeles based actor Matthew Von Der Ahe fell in love with acting when he was a kid. Now starring in two upcoming movies, “One Perfect Date” and “Wish Watch”, after having experience on screen alongside Woody Harrelson in “Champions”, his career is on the rise. As an ambassador and speaker for several different organizations devoted to helping individuals with developmental disabilities, including Best Buddies and Hearts of Joy, Ahe shows dedication to representation in the entertainment industry. To learn more about Matthew Von Der Ahe and his upcoming films, read on.
Read MoreArgentinian singer-songwriter Carolina Mama has created a breathtaking album intertwined with a real heartbreaking story. With intimate singles that work to empower, heal, and break free from silence, Mama has written this album in dedication to all women, especially those who have experienced gender-based violence. Through the healing power of storytelling, AMINA speaks truth. To learn more about Carolina Mama and her new album, read on.
Read MoreShort film Once More, Like Rain Man, written by and staring autistic actress Bella Zoe Martinez and directed by Sue Ann Pien, reflects the real challenges of autism representation within the entertainment industry. Showcasing a main character with more than one dimension to her, Once More, Like Rain Man aims to take down stereotypes about individuals with autism. Both Martinez and Pien take it a step further, showing their dedication to empowering others through relationships with non-profit organizations like Epic Players LA and Zeno Mountain Farms. To learn more about Bella Zoe Martinez, Sue Ann Pien, and their new short film, Once More, Like Rain Man, read on.
Read MoreSustainable style is getting a powerful, culture-rich upgrade. Native American-owned clothing brands are weaving tradition, eco-consciousness, and bold design into every stitch. From upcycled materials to natural dyes and slow fashion ethics, these small businesses are demonstrating that fashion can honor the Earth and Indigenous heritage simultaneously.
Read MoreHispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, community, and the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. What better way to honor it than by spotlighting some amazing small businesses that bring flavor, creativity, and heart to everything they do? From bold ideas to beloved family traditions, these entrepreneurs are making big waves — and we’re here for it!
Read MoreEven though it is an “off-year” for elections, several large US cities are holding mayoral elections this year, including New York City and San Antonio. In Seattle’s open primary, millennial progressive activist and community organizer Katie Wilson (she/her) came in first, ahead of Seattle’s current establishment mayor. Now a run-off is scheduled for Election Day in November between the two. Katie is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a group that focuses on improving public transport and workers' rights. As she says, “I am most passionate about making Seattle a city that's affordable for working families. That means tackling the affordable housing crisis, bringing people inside, protecting our immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members from attacks from the Trump administration, expanding workers' and renters' rights, and addressing the crisis of childcare for young families, among others issues our city faces.”
Read MorePlant Powered Metro New York is a non-profit organization designed to inspire others to start their own health journeys through whole food, plant based eating. They make what may seem like a daunting task full of ease with the personalized programs and mentorships, endless delicious recipes, and informative cooking demos they offer. Aiming to bring healthy eating habits to everyone, Plant Powered Metro New York partners with organizations like Mexican Coalition and offer a version of their Jumpstart program in Spanish. To learn more about Plant Powered Metro New York and how you can start building your own healthy eating habits, read on, as we speak with their Network Director, Lianna Levine Reisner.
Read MoreAt a time when global headlines shift quickly and attention spans even quicker, filmmaker Mike Dorsey set out to tell a story that won’t let you look away. His latest documentary, Sisters of Ukraine, follows a powerful and deeply personal journey into the heart of a war zone—capturing resilience, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of those left behind. From the front lines of filmmaking to the front lines of a humanitarian crisis, Dorsey opens up about the risks, the revelations, and the unexpected beauty he found along the way. To find out more, read below.
Read MoreAs summer winds down and students prepare to return to classrooms, the excitement of a new school year often comes with a flurry of shopping, organizing, and planning. But amidst the hustle, there's a growing opportunity—and responsibility—to make choices that are kinder to the planet. From eco-friendly school supplies to low-waste lunch packing and mindful transportation, going back to school sustainably isn't just a trend—it's a meaningful way to reduce your environmental footprint while setting a positive example for others. Here's how students, parents, and educators can make smarter, greener decisions this school year.
Read MoreIn today’s fashion landscape, style no longer comes at the cost of ethics. As more consumers shift toward sustainable and cruelty-free choices, the demand for vegan alternatives in every wardrobe essential, including dress shoes, is growing. Men’s vegan dress shoes are stepping into the spotlight, offering the same sophistication and craftsmanship as traditional leather footwear, but without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with it. Whether you're dressing for the boardroom or a black-tie event, vegan shoes now prove that sharp style and conscious living can go hand in hand.
Read MoreChristina Kwauk (she/her) has been on a lifelong journey of unfolding discovery. Beginning her work in education, her research led her to focus on the education of girls across the world as an area of expertise. While working at the Brookings Institution, a colleague asked her if there was any link between girls’ education and climate change. This question sparked a new course of study for Christina: how investing in girls’ education will aid the fight in climate change. Read on to learn more about Christina Kwauk!
Read MoreVentriloquist, comedian, actor, and writer are just a few roles Nina Conti has under her belt. Her new comedy film, SUNLIGHT, in which she stars alongside Shenoah Allen, also marks her directorial debut. Using dark humor as a tool for survival, this film certainly doesn’t shy away from tough topics. SUNLIGHT is a 96 minute long humorous journey that displays a beautiful way of addressing sensitive subjects such as trauma, domestic violence, and mental health using her infamous ventriloquist character Monkey. To learn more about Nina Conti and SUNLIGHT, read on.
Read MoreTucked within the walls of the Gibbes Museum in Charleston, a powerful new exhibition brings to light a lesser-known chapter of Harriet Tubman’s legacy—the daring Combahee River Raid. Led by Sara Arnold, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator, the show is a collaborative effort between historians, artists, and descendants whose stories converge to reframe how we see Tubman—not just as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but as a military strategist and liberator. Picturing Freedom weaves together contemporary art, archival materials, and environmental photography into a rich, immersive narrative. What unfolded behind the scenes to bring this story to life? Read to find out more.
Read MoreFrom community theater in childhood to shooting a documentary in a war zone, Joe Hill’s journey as a filmmaker has taken him across continents, formats, and emotional terrain. With a background that spans investigative journalism, global travel, and a deep belief in the power of story, Hill brings a unique lens to his latest project—Match in a Haystack, a daring and intimate portrait of dancers creating art amid the chaos of war. What led him to Ukraine? Why use dance as a language in documentary filmmaking? And how did Misty Copeland get involved? Read on to find out more.
Read MoreDr. Kim Tran (she/her) is an inspirational human being. She has lived her entire life in devotion to fighting for justice and building solidarity between like-minded people and groups. As a queer Asian woman, she is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community, the Black-Asian alliance, and opposing oppression. This intellectual has been a proponent for DEI long before DEI became a buzzword or reached the lips of the American mainstream. Read on to learn more about Dr. Kim Tran!
Read MoreDespite undeniable talent, dedication, and success, women athletes and sports traditionally associated with women, like gymnastics, figure skating, and softball, continue to receive significantly less financial backing and media exposure than their male counterparts. This impedance not only affects the livelihoods and opportunities of women in sports, but it also impacts how young girls view their potential in athletic spaces. To create a more equitable sporting world, systematic support and cultural change are essential. Here are several actionable ways we can all help support women athletes and elevate traditionally female sports:
Read MoreComing together to perform on the “Joy=Resistance” tour are two queer musicians who aren’t afraid of speaking up. Singer-songwriters Rachel Sage and Kristen Ford see music as a universal language that creates community and connection, which is exactly what they hope to bring to each city on their tour. Sage’s latest single and upcoming album, “Canopy”, keeps inclusivity and acceptance at the forefront while Ford’s new single “Wild Heart” and album “Pinto” aim to fight back against oppression. Donating a portion of the proceeds from their tour to The Trevor Project, the two musicians fight even further to create safe spaces and provide solace for those in need. To learn more about Rachel Sage, Kristen Ford, and their Joy=Resistance tour, read on.
Read MoreFederal funding has helped keep public broadcasting stations like NPR, PBS, and several other stations on air for decades. Just recently, the Senate and the House passed a “Recission Act” that will greatly affect this funding. This act is a measure that has the ability to take away money that has already been budgeted by Congress and includes over a billion dollars in funding for public media. With these advances expected to be signed into law very soon by Trump, public broadcasting stations all over the country will take crucial funding hits and, for some, lose the ability to stay on air altogether.
Read MoreVeronica Reyes, creator of the series “Mother, May I Have A Kidney?”, aims to raise awareness about chronic kidney issues through the 90 minute comedic journey the show takes you on. With complex familial relationship dynamics, amusing character dialogue, and the battle of giving forgiveness, “Mother, May I Have A Kidney” is a wild ride that encourages reflection and sheds light on the difficult situation of experiencing kidney disease. With promising upcoming projects on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what else Reyes has in store for us! To learn more about Veronica Reyes and her latest creations, read on.
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